“We are a few days from the moment to show Europe that we dream with a stronger Europe, more ambitious, more advanced, more progressive, more social and closer to people,” he said.

Speaking at the closing session of the 13th Cotec Europe Meeting, which took placed in Naples, Italy, and joined Portuguese associations for the innovation and development of the Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain and Portugal), De Sousa said the event translated into a “victory of Europe.”

“Only Europe could unite the Italians, Spanish and Portuguese, only Europe unites us in our diversity, only Europe mobilises us to go further in the satisfaction of the citizens and only Europe makes us stronger in the world,” he said.

“I believe in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Europe. Together, Europeans, we will win,” he added.

The European elections are to take place from 23 to 26 May.

The Cotec Europe Meeting aimed to outline common action plans for public administration at a time of major industrial and technological changes.

The session counted on business leaders and institutional members of three countries – Portugal, Italy and Spain -, including their presidents at the closing session.

These meetings are held since 2005 and alternately in Portugal, Spain and Italy.